Friday, January 27, 2017

Yes. It’s true. We just finished celebrating the New Year
and now we are on to the next holiday, Valentine’s Day. It is a date that is
celebrated by many to express love to another person in special and celebratory
ways through the exchange of cards, flowers, chocolate and heart shaped candies
written with short messages of love.

There are many stories surrounding how Valentine’s Day began
and its purpose. The day itself is named after a Roman Priest named St. Valentine.
His story is not a romantic one but he was a proponent of the marriage of young
people. At the time, in the third century AD, it was believed that unmarried
soldiers fought better than married soldiers. As a result, there was a law
establishing that young men could not marry. St. Valentine defied the law due
to his belief in Christian marriage by secretly performing marriages for young
couples. Let’s not discuss what happened to him because of his defiance.

On a more romantic and happier note, there is another story
about St. Valentine that may only be rumor. It has been written that, while in
prison for going against the law, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter
and sent her a love letter, signing it “From your Valentine.” Supposedly, he
sent that letter on February 14. This story is a bit more romantic and we seem
to go along with this version of the story today.

Besides a love letter, there are many popular ways one can
show love and appreciation to their significant other. A romantic dinner at
home or at local favorite restaurant is always a popular choice, as are the
gifts of candy, cards, and flowers. A gift that is growing in popularity is
couples’ massages. However you choose to show your love, be sure to include
fun.

One unique way to send a message of endearment to that
special someone is to participate in The Windham Eagle’s Valentine’s Day
greeting pages. Your message of love will be placed in the February 10, 2017
publication. Deadline to purchase your message of love is Tuesday, February 7.
Contact Melissa Carter at Melissa@TheWindhamEagle.com
to order your greeting.

Logan Thompson, age eight, is a third grade student in Mrs.Vangelist’s
class at Raymond Elementary School. Lunch and science are her two favorite
subjects. What makes learning fun for her is when the lessons are turned into
games.

Thompson was chosen as student of the week, not only because she
works hard and excels in her studies but because she is an exceptionally
selfless person. Her teacher shares the story of a day, not long ago, when the
class was working on a holiday project, making ornaments as a gift to their
families. There were several projects to choose from but the hot chocolate
ornament was the most popular. As a result, the teacher realized she was short
one ornament.

Her teacher explained that once Thompson realized this shortage,
she was there to help. “Without hesitation Logan stood up, walked over to the girl
(without the project supplies), and gave her the ornament,” Vangelist
continued. “Logan did not do this for praise, or for a reward. She did this because
that is the kind of person she is. She is a model student at Raymond Elementary
and I’m very proud of her.”

Thompson, who enjoys inventing things with objects she finds
around her house, plans to attend college to get a doctorate in law. She also
plans to invent medicines.

Thompson has a little brother named Brian, a little sister named
Alexis and a half-sister, Kadince. She also has two cats and one dog.

Many readers have been wondering, so it’s time for me to
spill the beans. It is with some sadness that I will be bidding farewell to my
aviary endeavor. Although backyard beekeeping had been a dream of mine for a
long time, I have discovered that, simply put, beekeeping is not for me. I
discovered that I just don’t have the time to give them the attention they
need.

But despite the fact that I decided not to keep up with
my grandfather’s successful run with his bee hobby, I learned very much from my
“sweet little Italians”, as I always liked to refer to them as. I also have very
fond memories at giving this quasi-homestead undertaking a whirl. As I look
back over this past spring and summer, there are a few highlights to share.

I remember that early spring day in late April when they
arrived from Georgia and the excitement I felt when I drove to Cooper Charolais
Farm & Apiary in Windham to pick them up. Buzz and Paula Cooper, the
friendly owners, greeted me with as much excitement as I must have expressed.
They took time to share a few last minute and helpful reminders on what to do
as I prepared to put them in their new hive. The enthusiasm didn’t stop when I
left the Cooper farm. I was eagerly greeted by my husband as well as a few of
my next door neighbors as they welcomed the 10,000 Italian bees to the

neighborhood.

I recall the surprise at just how gentle the bees were. At
first. They were so gentle; I didn’t even have to wear gloves. They would lightly
land on my fingers as if they were introducing themselves, making me fall in
love with them immediately. But then, they got older. The hive started to fill
up with more young babies (known as larvae.) Those sweet little Italians became
a little more protective of their young and my free-spirited love for the bees
quickly turned to honorable respect after getting stung 5 times my right hand. I
wore gloves after that.

Or the time, during my weekly hive check in late summer when
I was shocked to discover they were eating away at their own larvae, creating a
huge hole in the frame. Per the direction I had received from other, more
experienced beekeepers, I had stopped feeding them sugar syrup by mid-June
believing the nectar and pollen in the wild was enough. Often, it is, but this
past summer’s drought challenged their food supply. I began to feed them sugar
syrup once again and immediately the honeybees built up their frames and
continued to lay eggs. I was amazed they could bounce back so quickly.

I put them “to bed” for the winter in late October upon
my return trip from Italy. They seemed happy and healthy, ready to face the
long cold Maine winter. Although I am letting go of the adventure of
beekeeping, I am concerned about their winter journey and hope they make it
through. If they do, I will have some bees to sell this spring.

Thank you to all my loyal readers. It was fun sharing my
adventure with you. A special thanks goes to Buzz, Paula, and Mark Cooper for
always patiently being there during panic text messages and phone calls, always
happily answering my questions with ease. And, I cannot forget to mention my
good friend, Alissa Feinberg. Without her assistance, my beekeeping adventure
would not have been as much fun.

In 1961 when the first coloring book for
adults was published, it wasn’t meant to be colored in, instead it was a social
commentary on life; a very bleak commentary. It was called “The Executive
Coloring Book” and primarily showed men getting ready for work. The captions
were depressing and showed a very gray look at the business world.

Today adult coloring has become
synonymous with relaxation and destressing. Gone are the political commentaries
through coloring pages. Today’s adult coloring books feature intricate drawings
of animals, palatial settings or geometric designs. The trend resurfaced in
2012, but has only recently caught on in Maine.

Some call it a “Peter Pan” syndrome,
where adults are looking to recapture some of the happy times of their youth. Others
are using the pictures as a form of art therapy.

At Windham Public Library, librarian
Sally Bannen has been coordinating adult coloring time for almost a year. Bring
a coloring book and supplies or use the ones provided by the library to make a
masterpiece. The sessions started on Saturday mornings, but have moved to the
first Wednesday nights of the month from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. upstairs by the large
print books.

This past Wednesday, Bannen shared her
love of art while soft relaxing music played in the background.

“Coloring is so popular now. We
encourage people to come in to hang out with one another,” she said. It’s not
just about coloring a pretty picture.

Coloring at the Windham Public Library
started last March when library patron Donna Strand suggested having a coloring
group. She had been coloring on her own for a while before suggesting the
library start a group.

Despite the desire for directions, Bannen
encouraged people to work on their own art and color what they want to, which
might not be the whole design. “There are no rules. We like to sit, gab and
color because it is relaxing. Relax and let your mind go,” she said. Adult
coloring is coloring without worrying about consequences.

There are also phone apps for coloring,
which can be fun for kids and adults. There was one the group tried Wednesday at
the coloring session called Mandala Coloring app. Visit an app store for more
options.

If coloring is not a passion, the
Windham Public Library hosts other Wednesday night events. For more
information, visit www.windham.lib.me.us.

With
winter barely into its second month, the time is on the horizon when being
cooped up inside, for whatever the legitimate reasons, begins to take its toll
on our mental well being. Commonly referred to as “cabin fever” or the “winter
blues”, the clinical name for eminent condition is Seasonal Affective Disorder and
it should be taken quite seriously. It is important to understand that one’s state
of mind also has an impact on the physical well-being, resulting from eating
disorders during this time. Statistics show that during the winter months, schizophrenia
behaviors and eating disorders can increase by 37 percent. More alarming is
that suicide has increased by 24 percent and anxiety 7 percent during this time.
Why May is targeted as the Mental Health Month is beyond comprehension.

There
are measures you can take to help alleviate some of the burden placed on your
capacity to cope. Sunlight, for one, is your friend and can be a saving grace.
Take advantage of ever ray. Walking just 15 minutes out in the bright light can
make a difference. Feeling hungry? Walk to that restaurant. Have errands to run
that are close by? Try walking there
instead of driving. The sun will not only improve mood, complexion and hair
quality, it also provides a good dose of vitamin D.If you are still feeling a bit off, look on
the bright side (pun intended), at least you will look good!

This
option may not always be accessible for a variety of reasons. This being the
case, maybe you can think about painting the walls a nice pastel, warm color. Doing
this will not only help pass the time, it will also provide a distraction. If
you are feeling really ambitious - and especially if you are not - force
yourself to engage in some sort of alternate activity. Be creative. It doesn’t
have to be in the form of exercise, although that is highly recommended. Just
30 minutes a day of distraction from the season can make a big difference and
with shorter days, have a profound effect.

Just as important to mental health is gauging your eating habits.
Comfort foods may seem like a good idea but most of the time they contain
sugars or starch. Our “happy place” is dictated by serotonin levels and these
kinds of foods play no role in keeping them in check. In some cases they
deplete what is already there. Instead, eat healthy, which is what we all
should be doing anyway. Even supplements should be considered. Your body will
thank you as much as your mind.

We are not equipped to hibernate, so it is not wise to try to
emulate the life of a bear. Instead, set the alarm on that biological clock and
listen to your body. According to the US National Sleep Foundation, there is no
magic number of hours to sleep. MentalHealth.gov is a web site that co-exists
with the Department of Health and Human Services suggests: Setting a regular
bedtime/ Establish a sleep and wake schedule/Create a relaxing bedtime
routine/Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and food near your bedtime.

These are just a few of the many things that we can do to help improve our
moods. They keep us from climbing the walls, gaining weight and going on a
rampage. While they are easier said than done, none-the-less they are
imperative elements in stabilizing and maintaining a healthy attitude from the
time that first snow flake falls to the first green bud that springs to life.

Last but certainly not least, take a break from the norm. We are all living
in the fast lane. Pull over. Spend more time with friends and family. Invite
them over if you must.Read a book,
listen to music or watch a movie (preferably at a theater). Do not rely on
prescription drugs to feel good. The same goes with liquor. Many of us are not
aware that alcohol is a depressant. In the end these are only temporary fixes
and are unhealthy.

If you are not sure if you fall into the category of being
depressed, there are warning signs. They include but are not limited to: Restlessness,
changes in weight, fatigue, irritability and empty feelings. Believe it or not
most people take these lightly. Often they think they are just being in touch
with their feelings, consequently dismissing these symptoms as nothing more
than being normal. This could not be further from the truth. If you are still
not sure what to look for, look in the mirror.

“It was an honor to
meet with these two Maine heroes and to thank them for their sacrifice,” said
Senator Collins. “In addition to their distinguished service to our nation in
the armed forces, Anthony and Justin do a commendable job volunteering and
advocating on behalf of veterans.”

Anthony
Webster, who currently resides in Windham, served with the U.S. Army
from 2006 to 2011 and served in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011. He was wounded
in an IED attack in 2011, and received the Purple Heart. He then was
medically retired from the Army. He volunteers with the Wounded Veteran
Retreat Program and is the Department of Maine Commander for the Military
Order of the Purple Heart, U.S.A.

Justin Galipeau, who currently resides in Saco, is a two-tour
veteran of the war in Afghanistan, where he served with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Mr. Galipeau was wounded by an IED blast and earned the Purple Heart. He is
still in the Marine Corps and serves as a recruiter in Maine. Mr. Galipeau
served as the Region 1 Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart,
U.S.A. from 2015 to 2016 and also served as the Department of Maine’s Commander
from 2014-15.

The Windham Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 10643,
expressed their appreciation for the fundraising efforts the Windham Burger
King did on behalf of the Unmet Needs Program. This VFW program partnered with
Burger King restaurants throughout the country. Customers were asked if they
wanted to donate $1 during a month surrounding Veterans Day to assist service
members and military families during times of financial difficulties. The money
raised stays in the community where it was raised. Commander Willie Goodman invited
Burger King’s Mike Dusik, district manager of district 4, Samantha Verrill,
general manager, and Kevin Kimball, shift leader, to last month’s VFW meeting
and presented them with certificates of appreciation for their restaurant, one
from the local post and the other from VFW National Headquarters. Commander
Goodman wishes to express his thanks not only Burger King, but to all of their
customers who participated in this program.